Local Briefs: Poetry sprouting in Columbia

Michelle Miller thought about it, even talked about it, for years, but she never quite found the time to do something about it — until this year.

With the help of a few new-found friends, she’s spreading a bit of poetry throughout Columbia this April in recognition of National Poetry Month.

"For me poetry changes lives," she said. "And I believe if more people had poetry in their life they would be happier."

So, to spread the word and a little cheer, her small group of poetry lovers created bookmark poetry and paper bag poems — published poems reprinted on easy to read bookmarks and small folded booklets. Both items are available in a variety of stores throughout downtown Columbia.

Her efforts also include inviting the public to attend a poetry reading set for 2:30 p.m. on April 27 at the Old Curiosity Book Shop, 12 Public Square.

Miller said participants may be surprised to learn just how many published poets there are in Columbia.

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Republican

mayoral debate set

Three candidates vying for the Republican Party nomination for Maury County mayor plan to debate at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Ridley 4-H Center at 850 Lion Parkway in Columbia.

Candidates Mike Bennett, Scott Cepicky and Charles Norman face each other in the upcoming May 6 primary. The winner of that election will go on to face five other contenders running as independents during the Aug. 7 general election.

Monday’s debate is sponsored by the Maury County Republican Party.

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Winter storm relief available for victims

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced the federal government will provide public assistance to eight counties due to the severe winter weather that brought snow, ice and sleet accumulations to the state from March 2-4.

"Local governments, volunteer organizations and electrical cooperatives responded to the needs of the communities when it was needed," Haslam said. "This assistance will relieve some of the financial costs to these counties as they recover from this winter emergency."

State and local governments, and electrical utilities, spent more than $12,232,215 in their response and recovery actions before, during and after the winter storm. The federal assistance program will allow eligible entities in the designated counties to receive a 75 percent reimbursement for costs related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and recreational facilities.

A powerful cold front moved into Tennessee on the morning of March 2, bringing significantly colder temperatures and winter precipitation that did not end until the early evening the next day.

Freezing rain and ice were common over parts of northwest and north central Middle Tennessee with accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch. The ice accumulation brought down tree limbs and power lines causing several power outages.

This is Tennessee’s first presidential disaster declaration since 2012 when severe storms brought tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding through East Tennessee on Feb. 29.